3 gaping holes on the Toronto Raptors roster that must be filled

2. The center position

After a short, but successful stint for Khem Birch in Tampa, the Raptors re-signed the Canadian big keeping him home for the next 3 years. He hasn’t seen the same success this season seeing his production drop off, and suffering a nagging knee injury that has kept him out for over half the season.

Precious Achiuwa, acquired in the Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade, has played exactly as advertised. A springy, young big who is incredibly raw, Achiuwa has looked more comfortable after a rough start.

However, the 22-year old is still struggling averaging 8.0 points, and 7.6 rebounds per game on an inefficient 40% from the field. He’s still young, but that percentage is unacceptable for a center getting as many minutes as he does.

Masai Ujiri needs to add a true center to the Toronto Raptors roster.

When healthy, the Raptors starting lineup would see Pascal Siakam at center due to their unique three-forward lineup. This could work against teams without elite centers, but if Toronto sees a 2019 playoff rematch against the 76ers, Joel Embiid may send the Raptors home quickly.

Adding a big, bruising center (DJ Wilson doesn’t count just yet) to a roster that has shown struggles rebounding the ball could help the Raptors turn from a play-in team to a playoff team. If Ujiri doesn’t make a trade, either Achiuwa or Birch will need to elevate their game.